Pacific defence ministers have agreed on a series of measures to strengthen security cooperation across the region, including plans to broaden the role of the Pacific Response Group and explore a joint military contribution to efforts against transnational organised crime.

The agreements were reached at the 2026 South Pacific Defence Ministers’ Meeting (SPDMM), which concluded at the Sheraton Resort and Spa in Nadi.

Fiji’s Minister for Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Pio Tikoduadua, said the three-day meeting reinforced the principle that Pacific security is a shared responsibility.

Ministers agreed to advance plans for the Pacific Response Group to take on stabilisation operations, while also discussing coordinated peacekeeping training and exercises. They also agreed to begin formal negotiations on an SPDMM Status of Forces Agreement to support future regional deployments.

The meeting also considered how South Pacific militaries could support the Waqa Moana initiative in tackling transnational organised crime.

Minister Tikoduadua said the relationships developed between participating countries remain central to the SPDMM’s work, highlighting the importance of professional cooperation and personal ties between defence representatives.

The Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat has also been named a standing observer to the SPDMM, with work continuing towards establishing an SPDMM Defence Adviser position within the Secretariat.

The visiting defence ministers were later accorded a traditional farewell ceremony. Fiji also confirmed that Australia will host the next SPDMM in 2027.